NATIVE CLAIMS.

New Zealander, Volume XXIV, Issue 2610, 10 March 1866, Page 3

NATIVE CLAIMS.

o.\ Wednesday last a Native Land Oouit was opened at the Compensation Court, Princes-street, for the purpose of investigating tlie claims of certain natives to land in llie Wairoa district to the eastward of Howick.

The Judges occupying the Bench were Mr. Fenton, Chief Judge; Mr. W. R. White, Mongonui; and there were also present Hori Tauroa, of Waiuku, and Winiata Tomairangi, of Kaipara, Assessors. Mr. C. Maxwell acted as interpreter.

The first claim was for the block of Teokanga, on the eastern side of the Wairoa river. Te Watene claimed the land, as a member of the Ngatitai tribe. A plan was produced, and there being no opponent, a certificate of title to 240 acres was ordered.

The next claim was for tlic Otau block, by the same claimant. Mr. Scott, surveyor, deposed to the survey having been made. There being no opponent, a certificate was ordered. The next block was the Waka Kaiwhara, GOO acres, at the mouth of the Wairoa river, Claimant, Ilori tc Whetuki. Mr. Wynn appeared for the claimant, assisted by Mr. J. W. Preece. Mr. Wynn opened the case for the claimant, stating that he claimed lhe land partly from his right to it from his ancestors, rind further that the Government had purchased a large tract of land there, including the block, and had returned a block of G,OOO acres to claimant, of which the present block was a portion.

Witnesses were examined for both claimant and opponent, after which the court adjourned without coming to a decision.